Will Tom Aspinall return to fight in the UFC by the end of 2026?

Tom Aspinall is facing serious uncertainty about his fighting future after suffering eye injuries during his bout with Ciryl Gane in October. The fight was stopped following accidental eye pokes, and what initially appeared to be a temporary setback has evolved into a prolonged medical struggle. Aspinall has undergone surgery on both eyes, attended numerous ophthalmology consultations, and continues to experience blurred vision, balance issues, double vision, and vestibular disturbances that prevent him from driving or training normally. The situation has effectively frozen the UFC heavyweight division. While Aspinall has expressed his love for MMA, he has acknowledged that his priority is recovery and avoiding long-term damage. The uncertainty now centers on whether medical rehabilitation will allow him to safely compete again — or whether the injury will permanently alter the trajectory of his career.